Songs for the birds

A leopard in the film Bringing Up Baby has a special liking for the song I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby ("Blues for Beaky", 24/31 December). This reminds me that some years ago it was recorded in the paper that the owner of two African grey parrots had died, leaving £3000 or so for their future upkeep. The birds and their endowment were duly sent to Bird World, the park near Farnham, Surrey.

Shortly after this my wife and I visited the park in search, among other things, of Ella and Lewis, the two parrots in question. Having located the African grey aviary, we endeavoured to call the parrots, who were concealed in the nesting enclosure, but without success.

However, as soon as I gave my imitation of Ella Fitzgerald imitating Louis Armstrong singing I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby, the two African greys immediately rushed ...

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